The Ohio Lighthouse Tour
We love our Ohio lighthouses! Not every state can boast having lighthouses. Each of our lighthouses has a unique history as well as interesting architecture. Take a day and visit one of our beautiful Lake Erie lighthouses. While touring the area stop and have lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in an area park.
Make sure you bring along a camera as you explore Ohio’s coastline and lighthouses. The sunsets can be spectacular during all seasons.
Ashtabula Harbor Lighthouse
End of Ashtabula Harbor Break Wall
Ashtabula, OH 44004
ashtabulalighthouse.com
“The Society owns the Ashtabula Lighthouse. It has been their passion and mission to restore and preserve the Ashtabula Lighthouse so that they can give back to the community with safe and educational tours of this historic site. Also, to teach future generations of the importance of lighthouses on the Great Lakes and the hard work performed by the Lighthouse Keepers of the past.”
Photo credit: Ashtabula County CVB.
Cedar Point Lighthouse
1 Cedar Point Dr. (off US 6), Sandusky OH 44870
419.627.2350 | cedarpoint.com
Cleveland West Pierhead Lighthouse
Located at the end of the breakwater on the west side of the entrance to the Cuyahoga River.
Cleveland, Ohio
MyOhioFun Road Trip Note:
We snapped this photo aboard the Nautica Queen Dining Cruise Ship. The Nautica Queen offers lunch and dinner cruises. A perfect way to view the Cleveland West Pierhead Lighthouse while also enjoying views of the Cleveland skyline and Cuyahoga River. Next door is the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Another great place to explore and learn about our Lake and the sea.
Conneaut West Breakwater Light
Take Broad Street to the end. View from shore at the harbor.
Conneaut, Ohio
My Ohio Fun Road Trip Notes:
If you plan on visiting the area in the summer, make sure to stop at Heavenly Creamery, Conneaut’s only homemade ice cream parlor. The flavors are amazing.
Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse
129 Second Street, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077
440.354.4825 || fairportlighthouse.com
“The Fairport Harbor Marine Museum is the first Great Lakes Lighthouse Marine Museum in the State of Ohio , as well as the United States.”
Photo courtesy of Lake County Visitor Bureau.
Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse
Views from Headlands Beach State Park, Mentor, Ohio
fairportharborwestlighthouse.com
“The Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light was built in 1925 and sits in Fairport Harbor, Ohio at the mouth of the Grand River. It was constructed to replace the original Fairport Harbor Lighthouse, which now serves as a marine museum. The original Fairport Harbor lighthouse protected the shore and directed mariners for 100 years before being falling into disrepair. In June 1917, Congress appropriated $42,000 for the construction of a new breakwater light. That funding included monies that would be used to demolish the original lighthouse.”
Huron Lighthouse & Fishing Pier
N. Main St. Huron, Ohio
419.433.8487 | huronparks.org
Lorain Breakwater Lighthouse
Black River Landing – West Side of River
East of Broadway (421 Black River Ln), Lorain, Oh 44052
lorainlighthouse.com
Lighthouse tours are available.
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead OH 43440
419.734.4424, ext. 2 | marbleheadlighthouseohio.org
Built in 1821, the Marblehead Lighthouse is an active navigational aid to the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. Climb 77 circular steps to the top. Tours every 15 minutes to the top of the Marblehead Lighthouse, with the last tour beginning 15 minutes before closing time (weather permitting). Museum is opening during all lighthouse tours and entry is free. Lighthouse may be closed during periods of rain, storms, high winds or severe weather.
Note: The Marblehead Lighthouse will be celebrating its 200th Anniversary of the construction and lighting of the lighthouse over the next year. The building of the lighthouse was completed in November 10, 1821 and was first officially lit on June 22, 1822.
Port Clinton Lighthouse
451 W. Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton OH 43452
800.441.1271 | portclintonlighthouse.org
“The Port Clinton Lighthouse is the last remaining timber frame pier light on Lake Erie. Once common on our inland seas, only four of these unique structures remain on the Great Lakes today. In operation from 1896 to 1952, the Port Clinton Lighthouse has been fully restored to its original condition, thanks to a dedicated group of local volunteers.”
South Bass Island Lighthouse
South end of CR 163, Put-in-Bay OH 43456
419.285.1800 | ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/south-bass-lighthouse
“Discover information about the area’s history and the most pressing issues facing Lake Erie before accessing the top of the lighthouse tower to see an expansive view of Put-in-Bay.” For lighthouse tours visit website.
Photo credit: Lake Erie Shores & Islands
Toledo Harbor Lighthouse
Located 8.4 miles from the mouth of the Maumee River, marking the entrance to the Toledo harbor
toledoharborlighthouse.org
Vermilion Lighthouse
480 Main St. (off US 6), Vermilion OH 44089
440.204.2400 | cityofvermilion.com
“The Vermilion Lighthouse is a replica of the original lighthouse that was later moved to Lake Ontario. Known as the “Town of Sea Captains,” Vermilion was without a lighthouse for 63 yrs.”
MyOhioFun Road Trip Note:
The lighthouse is located at Harbor View Park. Minimum parking is available at the park. The Lighthouse is also just a few blocks from Vermilion’s historic district, where you will find unique shopping and local food faire. The day of our visit we stopped at Granny Joe’s Ice Creamatorium for a sandwich and a bowl of Toft’s Ice Cream. Toft’s Ice Ceram is local favorite which comes in many flavors.
Abandoned lighthouses:
Green Island Lighthouse – Green Island (no public access)
Turtle Island Lighthouse – (privately owned)
Article by: Diane Rock
Photos by Diane Rock, unless otherwise noted.
Rocky Hill | MyOhioFun.com
Diane Rock is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com and the Tea Cup Rescue Society. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
